MATT ERICKSON WINS THREE IN A ROW AT MADERA, SAM JACKS CLAIMS MODIFIEDS
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (May 31, 2025) – Matt Erickson of La Grange scored his third consecutive Madera Pro Late Model Series victory powered by Mission Foods on Saturday night, dominating the 80-lap feature at Madera Speedway. The Silver & Gold Modified Series made its first stop of the year at Madera with Sam Jacks of Las Vegas topping the 75-lap feature as well. Photo by Jake Scarbrough
Erickson was emotional in victory lane, dedicating the victory to his late mother. “It’s two years since my mom passed away so this one is for her,” Erickson said.
Erickson drew the number one in the redraw but was relegated to starting at the tail after a restart violation from his May 3rd win was assessed. Rick Thompson drove around the outside of Will Martyn to lead lap one. The veteran driver worked the top side with Madera’s Robbie Kennealy on his inside. The side-by-side battling continued through the first 16 laps with the top-six drivers running in lockstep. Third running Glen Cook of Mariposa and Kennealy then collided in turn one. The spin collected Jason Aguirre and ended his event.
Thompson then faced off with points leader Jay Juleson of San Jose. After a back-and-forth battle, Juleson cleared Thompson on lap 28. Erickson was up to third by that stage, then quickly passed Thompson for second. Erickson then rapidly drove past Juleson to lead lap 32. Erickson led Juleson, Shaun Reynolds, a resurgent Cook, and Thompson into the lap 50 break.
Erickson dominated the final 30-laps while Juleson won a tussle with Reynolds for second. Cook and Thompson rounded out the top-five.
The Silver & Gold Open Modified Series made its first Madera stop of the 2025 inaugural campaign. The six race series is split between the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Madera. April 18th Bullring winner Sam Jacks of Las Vegas found his way to victory lane after the 75-lap feature at Madera as well.
2002 Madera Speedway Modified champion Scott Winters of Tracy seemed poised to take the victory, accumulating a sizeable advantage in the first half of the race. Lapped traffic allowed Las Vegas’ Kyle Jacks to close in. Jacks ran within a car length of Winters before a mechanical failure dropped him from the event on lap 64 and brought out the caution.
On the restart, Winters went up in smoke as well to end his event. Sam Jacks inherited the lead and cruised to the $2000 victory. Windsor’s Sammy Nuno finished second for a California driver one-two finish. Utah’s Jeff Longman rounded out the podium followed by Utah’s Eric Rhead, and Camino’s Brian Collins.
James Hamlin of Oregon City, Oregon become the first 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series winner from his state and used the Pro Late Model-winning car to do it, taking the Matt and Rick Erickson prepared No. 42 to the checkered flag in a 70-lap affair. Hamlin led all 70 circuits wire-to-wire.
The punctuation mark of the race came early when Washington’s Hunter Gates and Santa Rosa’s Eli Black collided on the backstretch on lap six to cause heavy damage to both vehicles. Under caution, incoming third in points Skyler Schoppe suffered race ending damage in collisions that also involved both Bristol and Byron Borneman.
Hamlin led the field into the lap 40 break and continued the strong pace to the finish. 11-year-old Byron Borneman came back to finish a career-best second. Gates muscled past Bristol Borneman to finish third. Incoming points leader Eli Black settled for fifth.
Madera’s Joseph Holiday won again in Pro Sportsman competition, taking a three-car length victory over Steve Schermerhorn after the 30-lap feature. Kadence Toland of Eureka finished third followed by Corey Gibson and Brian Taylor.
Las Vegas’ Beau Paddock won the 15-lap INEX Bandolero feature. Chloe Lamatina and Roy Plaffy rounded out the finishers.
Madera Speedway returns on June 21st for the Rev. Ron Spencer Red, White, and Blue Classic! The RACER Network-televised Mission Pro Late Model Series, 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series, INEX Legends, and INEX Bandoleros will be competing. NCMA Sprints, Pro Sportsman, and Legends of Kearney Bowl round out the exciting card of divisions!
The 2025 season would not be possible without the support 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, Franks Radio, Sunoco Race Fuel, and Sealmaster.
Madera Racing on RACER Network airs Monday nights. Check www.MAVTV.com for program listings.
